Even though he has long since retired from the NBA, Shaquille O'Neal remains one of the most popular celebrities in sports. In recent news, it was revealed that the basketball funny man would be participating in the upcoming Comedy Central Roast of Justin Bieber. For some, this roast is long overdue. For Bieber, apparently, it's a symbol of his renewed maturity.
Before his time as a professional, O'Neal played college ball for the University of Louisiana. His impressive performances there earned him a first overall pick with the Orlando Magic in the 1992 NBA Draft.
After that, Shaq went on to have one of the most respected careers in professional basketball. However, from time to time, the big man has found himself at wrong end of some worthy criticisms.
Now, according to TMZ Sports, the one-time-great has been given the opportunity to grill one of Hollywood's most controversial rising stars:
"He's burned Kobe...He's burned Barkley...and now Shaquille O'Neal has his sights on Justin Bieber...cause he's been tapped to be an official flamethrower at the Comedy Central Roast. Shaq...along with stars like Snoop Dogg, Ludacris, Jeff Ross and Martha Stewart...will be tasked with ripping the Biebs to shreds in front of a packed house on March 30th. Shaq and Bieber have history...they once had a dance battle back before Bieber turned heel."
The event should prove to be a blowout. After all, there are just so many people out there who want to see Justin get what's coming to him.
However, according to the LA Times, Justin sees this roast as a milestone:
"The roast is shaping up as a key element in the refurbishment of Bieber's tarnished image...which is what a guy winds up with after acting like a tool for as long as he did. 'This has really been a big year for me, as far as figuring stuff out,' the 21-year-old tells Men's Health...'This is almost like a full 180 from how I was. Yesterday...a year from yesterday...I was in jail.'"
What are your opinions on the situation? Let us know in the comment section below.
